Commercial architects oversee the design of structures, and it is their job to draft and plan various projects. They also build scale models in some cases, and they frequently supervise the construction process. Being a commercial architect means working closely with clients, and the architect is also responsible for keeping the project on budget. Commercial architects design buildings with structural integrity and safety in mind, and they always ensure that the building is up to local building codes.
Licensed professional commercial architects can specialize in one type of design, but those that work in architectural firms may work on a team that manages a wide variety of projects. Commercial architects have a different skill set than their residential counterparts, as they focus on projects like schools, museums, hospitals and shopping centers.
When designing a structure, the commercial architect has to consider a lot of things. Not only do they draw up design plans and build scale models, they are also responsible for drawing blueprints for the construction crew. Depending on local laws, the commercial architect has to comply with building codes. Commercial architects usually have design input from blueprint until the structure is finished.
Commercial architects have other skills than the designing of commercial buildings. They have to be good at communicating, as the large projects they work on require them to work closely with a variety of people. They have to have the skill needed to supervise subcontractors and contractors who are doing the actual construction; a commercial architect has to have sharp decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Commercial architects also perform a variety of other tasks. Most come in during the design phase, but some start even earlier. Sometimes, the commercial architect helps with site selection, or they will perform environmental and feasibility studies. They assemble their findings and present them for the client's approval. Commercial architects often have a say in the choosing of the contractor who will do the building, and some architects even assist the client with contractor negotiations.
The educational and experience requirements to be a commercial architect can vary with location and field. In most cases, the architect is a person with a college degree in building design, architecture or engineering. The modern architect must also be computer-savvy, as most drawings are done with CAD software. Blueprints are typically assembled with building information modeling technology.